Bordeaux wine will never go out of style so this is not about replacing your Bordeaux habit, but rather another high quality alternative. Compared to Bordeaux, Super Tuscans are the new kids on the block (since the late 1960s), but despite their relatively shorter history, a good quality bottle of Super Tuscan will still make any Bordeaux lover swoon!

A Few things to know: In its early days, Super Tuscans were the ‘black sheep’ of Italian wine, since it blended French grape varietals like cabernet and merlot and not indigenous Italian grapes. Initially, Super Tuscans only received the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica typically used for table wine) designation from the Italian government. The early grapes that led to Super Tuscans was planted by Mario Incisa Rochetta and the 1st official Super Tuscan vintage was in 1968 by Rochetto’s nephew, who made the famous Sassicaia (translated to area with many stones) wine.

Tasting profile: black cherry, black currants, sweet spices, tobacco, licorice, mocha, tobacco

Price for a decent bottle: $40 -$60

Lookout for these Regions: Bolgheri is the only notable super tuscan region

Producers to try: If you’re looking to splurge— Sassicaia, Tignanello, Masseto . If you are trying to be more budget conscious — Tenuta Degli Dei Cavalli, Il Bruciato from Anitori